Sam dialed FBI Special Agent Alfonse Archer’s phone number. Archer was a straight-laced Bureau man with a good heart, a bright mind, and a bright future. She and Archer had worked together on several cases over the past few years, and she had grown to like and trust him.
“Big A,” she said when Archer picked up. “Long time no talk.”
“Sam?”
“In the flesh,” Sam said. “I’d love to catch up, but things are a little dicey right now.”
“I’m sure they are,” Archer said. “I’ve seen the news. You’re a popular lady.”
“Right. My fifteen minutes of fame,” Sam said. “Anyway, I’m calling to advance your career by leaps and bounds.”
Archer laughed. “How could you possibly do that?”
“How would you like to collar an infamous international fugitive?”
“Little ol’ me?”
“Don’t sell yourself short. Your investigative powers are second to none. At least, that’s how it will look when you bring me to justice.”
It took Archer a moment to respond. “Bring you to justice? As in, arrest you?”
“Yes, please,” Sam said.
“I’m not sure what to say.”
“I can’t run forever,” Sam said. “And I might as well help one of the good guys earn a few points.”
Archer chuckled. “I’m flattered, of course.” He paused a beat. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but what do you want in return?”
“You know me too well,” Sam said with a chuckle. “Just a small favor. I’m going to have an important conversation, and I need you to fix me up with a wire.”
Archer thought it over for a moment. “I can’t put a listening device on a fugitive,” he said. “I’m required to arrest you on sight.”
“That’s what makes this a small favor,” Sam said.
Archer laughed. “I don’t think so.”
“What if the wire could prevent the death of two hostages?”
Archer was silent for a moment. “That would certainly change things. You’d better fill me in.”
Sam gave him the highlights of the situation. When she finished, Archer said, “This is going to end badly.”
“I’m pretty sure you’re right,” Sam said. “So you’re in?”
Sam heard a deep breath. “All right,” Archer said.